South Cotabato

Agriculture plays a vital role in South Cotabato’s economy. The province is a major producer of pineapple, banana, rice, corn, rubber, and sugarcane. Polomolok, Tupi, and Tampakan are known for large-scale plantations, particularly for export-quality pineapples and bananas managed by multinational companies like Dole Philippines.

Smallholder farmers also engage in high-value crop production, including vegetables, coffee, cacao, and root crops. The provincial government, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and NGOs, supports farmers through mechanization, training, irrigation, and access to credit and markets. Postharvest and value-adding initiatives are gradually being developed to boost local agribusiness and reduce postharvest losses.

South Cotabato has both inland fisheries and aquaculture sectors that contribute to food security and local income. Lake Sebu, a prime inland water body, supports tilapia culture and is central to the province’s aquaculture industry. Fish cage operations in Lake Sebu have made it one of Mindanao’s main suppliers of tilapia.

Other municipalities like Surallah and Tboli also practice fish farming in ponds and rivers. While overfishing and water pollution are ongoing concerns, regulatory measures and fisherfolk organization support are in place. The provincial fisheries office and BFAR work together to improve aquaculture practices, introduce new technologies, and ensure the sustainability of inland waters.

In South Cotabato, the DA-SAAD program focuses on assisting marginalized farmers in poor and isolated barangays. Beneficiaries receive inputs such as vegetable seeds, native chicken, corn packages, and farming tools, along with capacity-building and livelihood management training.

The program has been implemented in selected upland barangays with strong potential for food production and community organization. DA-SAAD not only improves productivity but also strengthens the link between farmers and LGUs, enabling better planning and sustainability. Success is often seen where local cooperatives or indigenous people’s organizations are involved.